Get Funded!

Re-connect with your community and learn along the way!

Get Funded!

Re-connect with your community and learn along the way!

Crowdfunding is one way - grants is another and our DSIL team is here to help!

DSIL has had the pleasure of having all of our alumni committed to others by increasing impact across the globe with ideas and projects spanning all sectors and cultures. For many of our that also came with a realization that sometimes increasing impact also means slowing down and investing in ourselves as well. At DSIL, you will build the tools you need to continue to learn emerging knowledge and tools with the world as it rapidly changes!

Some of our alumni did not have the means (or just needed to supplement the cost) to invest in the program, but did not let that stand in their way; they got creative and got crowdfunding! Others raised money through local grants, continuing education stipends or collaborated with their current organizations to pay for the training or saved money. Crowdfunding seemed to be a successful favorite for a few reasons:

It allows you to connect with your community at large and re-connect with people you love and admire. Chances are they love and admire you too!

It builds a valuable skill. If you are already building an idea or or need some funding to re-create how and what your organization is already doing, you will need $$$. This is your chance to practice and learn the in's and out's of building funds + marketing.

It's fun! Crowdfunding takes creativity and momentum and allows you to express yourself and tell the world what you are up to these days. It also shows your commitment to lifelong learning. Crowdfunding has been a huge learning tool not only for alumni at but for DSIL staff too!

If you never try, you will never know! Challenge yourself and start your DSILlearning journey strong!

Have more questions? Want to connect with a alumni who rocked a successful campaign? Want to brainstorm? Great! Email katy@dsilglobal.com

Get Your Crowdfunding Campaign On! Watch the live training- Hosted in partnership by the DSIL Global and StartSomeGood!

Below we will give you access to our one online session where you will learn some critical tactics and strategies to generating a successful online funding campaign like many of our alumni!

The training covered:

Crowdfunding theory and basics - what is it?

How crowdfunding works in the context of social impact - more than just money.

What makes for good crowdfunding rewards and the role that video plays.

How to effectively promote your campaign using online/offline marketing strategies

How long a crowdfunding campaign should be and how much can you raise

What motivates people to give to crowdfunding campaigns, and what holds them back.

Here is Parra's 20- day dash crowdfunding journey!

Meet Parra from Mexico!

Parra got accepted into our program late and only had 20 days to come up with the funds. This seemed like an even harder task since he was working in Hong Kong, but his local community was back in Mexico. He jumped right in, got started and never looked back.

Step 1: Got a video up for his local community

Making a video sounds like a huge task for some people, but it's really not. A quick video can be done from phones and computers and authenticity matters more than quality. Here is the first of many videos from Parra!

Step 2: Reach out to global family

Parra was creative at every turn. In this video he reached out to his friends and the DSIL team to leave a quick 1 minute video telling the world why people should support him in this campaign. He did this in several languages!

Meet Parra from Mexico!

Parra got accepted into our program late and only had 20 days to come up with the funds. This seemed like an even harder task since he was working in Hong Kong, but his local community was back in Mexico. He jumped right in, got started and never looked back.

Step 1: Got a video up for his local community

Making a video sounds like a huge task for some people, but it's really not. A quick video can be done from phones and computers and authenticity matters more than quality. Here is the first of many videos from Parra!

Step 2: Reach out to global family

Parra was creative at every turn. In this video he reached out to his friends and the DSIL team to leave a quick 1 minute video telling the world why people should support him in this campaign. He did this in several languages!

Steps-3-11: Parra didn't give up!

As you will learn in the 1-hour classroom you can access above, there are high and low points in crowdfunding campaigns. He called the DSIL team mid-way through feeling discouraged, but brainstormed ways to get more people's attention and maybe even have some fun! Here is Parra fulfilling his promise to shave off his hair. That's right folks #dedication. A surprisingly successful tactic!

Step 12: Success. $4001 USD by 110 People in 18 days

Along the $ milestones Parra kept making videos and pushing his cause while thanking his fudners. Here is 90% there video! Here is his crowdfunding campaign page.

He made it and was on a plane to Thailand for DSIL just in time! Needless to say, he got lots of love upon arrival for his innovative tactics.

The Lasting DSIL Impact

Parra arrived at DSIL to connect with his new global community and spent the next 10 days in dialog exploring social innovation in Thailand and Cambodia. He continues to stay in touch with many of the group and is now in Bangladesh working with Sankalita (another DSIL Alumni) on an impact project. Most importantly, Parra is taking what he learned on his DSIL journey and teaching it to others.

Steps-3-11: Parra didn't give up!

As you will learn in the 1-hour classroom you can access above, there are high and low points in crowdfunding campaigns. He called the DSIL team mid-way through feeling discouraged, but brainstormed ways to get more people's attention and maybe even have some fun! Here is Parra fulfilling his promise to shave off his hair. That's right folks #dedication. A surprisingly successful tactic!

Step 12: Success. $4001 USD by 110 People in 18 days

Along the $ milestones Parra kept making videos and pushing his cause while thanking his fudners. Here is 90% there video! Here is his crowdfunding campaign page.

He made it and was on a plane to Thailand for DSIL just in time! Needless to say, he got lots of love upon arrival for his innovative tactics.

The Lasting DSIL Impact

Parra arrived at DSIL to connect with his new global community and spent the next 10 days in dialog exploring social innovation in Thailand and Cambodia. He continues to stay in touch with many of the group and is now in Bangladesh working with Sankalita (another DSIL Alumni) on an impact project. Most importantly, Parra is taking what he learned on his DSIL journey and teaching it to others.

Sawako collaborated with her workplace to subsidize the training since the skills she learned at DSIL would be directly translated in her work at home upon return!

DSIL Stories II: SAWAKO

Get social - join us!

We are a growing global community of entrepreneurs, academics, artists, designers, dreamers and doers. Join us as we learn from innovation in the grassroots and continue to think about how we are making impact in our local communities! Apply by May 15th to join the class of 2016! See more at apply.dsilglobal.com